The Tulsa Press Club is proud to announce the 2021 Great Plains Journalism Awards winners.
The Great Plains Journalism Awards is a regional contest honoring print, web, TV and magazine journalists for outstanding stories, photography and design. The eight-state competition includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Tulsa native Roy S. Johnson, whose journalism career has spanned more than 40 years, received the Distinguished Lecturer Award and gave the keynote address during the live broadcast of this year’s virtual event on May 7.
The top nine overall winners are:
Great Plains Newspaper of the Year: Omaha World-Herald
Great Plains Magazine of the Year: Oklahoma Today
Great Plains Website of the Year: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Great Plains Designer of the Year: Tammy Yttri, Omaha World-Herald
Great Plains Newspaper Writer of the Year: Trevor Brown, Oklahoma Watch
Great Plains Newspaper Photographer of the Year: Tommy Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Great Plains Magazine Photographer of the Year: Kevin A. Roberts, St. Louis Magazine
Great Plains Magazine Writer of the Year: Jeannette Cooperman, St. Louis Magazine
Great Plains Student Newspaper of the Year: The Daily Iowan — The University of Iowa
This year also marks a first for Tulsa Press Club as it celebrated its inaugural class of inductees to the Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame. The 2021 inductees to the Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame are:
Brenda Blagg of Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Susan Ellerbach of Tulsa World
Kelly Dyer Fry of The Oklahoman
Michael Kelly of Omaha World-Herald
Jim Langdon of Langdon Publishing
More than 600 entries were received this year, with winners and finalists named in 73 professional and student categories. Five student journalists were awarded $2,000 scholarships named after former Tulsa Press Club president and ONEOK executive Dan Harrison.
Thank you to our 2021 sponsors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, ONEOK, Cherokee Nation Businesses, Langdon Publishing, Citizen Potawatomi Nation and Tulsa Community College.
Below is a list of the 2021 Great Plains Journalism Awards winners and finalists by publication.
40/29 News
Multimedia Graphic: Adam Call Roberts
605 Magazine
Magazine Lifestyle Photography: John Snyder
Alana Snyder, finalist
Jordan Cushman, finalist
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sports Feature Photography: Tommy Metthe
Headline Portfolio: Sandra Tyler
Feature Page Design: Stan Denman
Spot News Photography: Tommy Metthe
General News Photography: Tommy Metthe
Editorial Portfolio: David Barham, Walter Hussman
Editorial Cartoon: John Deering
Online Project: Ginny Monk, Carrie Hill, Yutao Chen
Great Plains Newspaper Photographer of the Year: Tommy Metthe
Great Plains Website of the Year: Staff
Alan Koonse, finalist
Andy Davis, finalist
Brian Smith, finalist
Carrie Hill, finalist
Cary Jenkins, finalist
Eric Besson, finalist
George Stoia, finalist
Ginny Monk, finalist
Helaine R. Williams, finalist
Jeannie Roberts, finalist
John Brummett, finalist
John Moritz, finalist
Joseph Flaherty, finalist
Justin Cunningham, finalist
Kat Stromquist, finalist
Kelly Brant, finalist
Lara Farrar, finalist
Lisa Hammersly, finalist
Maggie McNeary, finalist
Mark Dooley, finalist
Mary Alston, finalist
Rachel O’Neal, finalist
Staton Breidenthal, finalist
Stephen Steed, finalist
Stephen Swofford, finalist
Tony Holt, finalist
William Sanders, finalist
Yutao Chen, finalist
The Augustana Mirror and 605 Magazine
Alana Snyder, finalist
Dawn Geertsema, finalist
Janet Blank Libra, finalist
Jeffrey Miller, finalist
Curbside Chronicle
Magazine Column Writing: Nathan Poppe
Magazine Graphic/Illustration: Natalie Kent
George Lang, finalist
Jacquelyn Walsh, finalist
Jayna Hadwiger, finalist
Katrina Ward, finalist
Natalie Kent, finalist
Nate Ward, finalist
Travis Tindell, finalist
William Muschinske, finalist
Daily American Republic
Barbara Ann Horton, finalist
Brian Rosener, finalist
Donna Farley, finalist
Michael Shine, finalist
Michelle Friedrich, finalist
Mike Buhler, finalist
Nancy Nelson Vines, finalist
Paul Davis, finalist
Scott Borkgren, finalist
The Frontier
Project/Investigative Reporting: Brianna Bailey
Kassie McClung, finalist
Iowa Falls Times Citizen
Sara Konrad Baranowski, finalist
Lincoln Journal Star
Feature Photography: Francis Gardler
Feature Writing: Cindy Lange-Kubick
Chris Dunker, finalist
Justin Wan, finalist
Make Oklahoma Weirder
Evan Jarvicks, finalist
Mitchell Republic
Matt Gade, finalist
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
2021 Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame: Brenda Blagg
Andy Shupe, finalist
Carrie Hill, finalist
Charlie Kaijo, finalist
Dan Holtmeyer, finalist
Dave Perozek, finalist
Doug Thompson, finalist
Emily Walkenhorst, finalist
Hunter Field, finalist
Jeff Mitchell, finalist
Kat Stromquist, finalist
Lara Farrar, finalist
Lara Hightower, finalist
Lisa Thompson, finalist
Maggie McNeary, finalist
Mary Jordan, finalist
Sandra Tyler, finalist
Sonny Albarado, finalist
Spencer Tirey, finalist
Tony Reyes, finalist
Oklahoma Humanities Magazine
Andy Rieger, finalist
Anne Richardson, finalist
Art Lien, finalist
Ayelet Tsabari, finalist
Carla Walker, finalist
Cindy Allen, finalist
David Craig, finalist
Dick Pryor, finalist
Kimberly Roblin, finalist
Rich Lenz, finalist
Sara Bowersock, finalist
Susan Ellerbach, finalist
Oklahoma Today
Magazine Portrait: Shane Bevel
Magazine Food Feature Writing: Staff
Ashley Dawn, finalist
Liz Blood, finalist
Nathan Gunter, finalist
Sam Anderson, finalist
Steven Walker, finalist
Oklahoma Watch
Art Haddaway, finalist
Ayanna Najuma, finalist
Cecilia Hernandez-Cromwell, finalist
Dany Varghese, finalist
Dawn Shelton, finalist
Elizabeth Caldwell, finalist
Heather Slingerland, finalist
J.D. Meisner, finalist
Jacob Threadgill, finalist
Jacob Unruh, finalist
James Coburn, finalist
Jenni Carlson, finalist
Jennifer Palmer, finalist
Kathryn McNutt, finalist
Kristi Eaton, finalist
Lindsey Chastain, finalist
Miguel Rios, finalist
Mike Simons, finalist
Paul Monies, finalist
Siali Siaosi, finalist
Steve Lackmeyer, finalist
Traci Chapman, finalist
Trevor Brown, finalist
Whitney Bryen, finalist
The Oklahoman
2021 Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame: Kelly Dyer Fry
Magazine Photography, Feature: Sarah Phipps
Food: Dave Cathey
Sports Page Design: Jeff Patterson
News Package: Josh Dulaney, David Dishman, Nate Billings, Paige Dillard
Berry Tramel, finalist
Bobby Ross Jr. , finalist
Brandy McDonnell, finalist
Bryan Terry, finalist
Chris Landsberger, finalist
Dale Denwalt, finalist
David Dishman, finalist
Jack Money, finalist
Jacob Unruh, finalist
Jenni Carlson, finalist
Joe Mussatto, finalist
The Oklahoman Staff, finalist
Omaha Magazine
Bill Sitzmann, finalist
Doug Meigs, finalist
Mady Besch, finalist
Matt Wieczorek, finalist
Omaha Magazine, finalist
Omaha World-Herald
2021 Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame: Michael Kelly
Sports Action Photography: Chris Machian
Sports Column: Dirk Chatelain
Narrative Story/Series: Dirk Chatelain, Rick Ruggles, Erin Duffy, Joe Dejka, Christopher Burbach, Evan Bland, Jon Nyatawa, Chris Heady, Sam McKewon, Mike Patterson
General News Continuing Coverage: Jessica Wade, Erin Duffy, Alia Conley, Todd Cooper
News Page Design: Tammy Yttri
Sports Feature: Dirk Chatelain
Graphics/Illustration: Matt Haney
General News Single Story: Henry Cordes, Alia Conley, Todd Cooper, Erin Duffy
Beat Reporting: Julie Anderson
Photo story/Photo essay: Anna Reed
Great Plains Designer of the Year: Tammy Yttri
Great Plains Newspaper of the Year: Staff
Cory Gilinsky, finalist
Jake Anderson, finalist
Jeff Robb, finalist
Jessica Wade, finalist
Kristin Donovan, finalist
Nancy Gaarder, finalist
Natalie Saenz, finalist
Paul Hammel, finalist
Stu Pospisil, finalist
Zach Tegler, finalist
Presence Magazine
Shane Bevel, finalist
South Dakota News Watch
Business Reporting: Bart Pfankuch, Nick Lowrey
St. Louis Magazine
Magazine Photography, Multiple: R.J. Hartbeck
Magazine Cover: Tom White
Magazine Feature Writing: Jeannette Cooperman
Magazine Page Design, Portfolio: Tom White
Magazine Profile Writing: Nicholas Phillips
Magazine News Writing: Amanda Woytus
Magazine Arts and Culture Writing: Amanda Woytus
Magazine Page Design, Profile: Emily Cramsey
Magazine Page Design, General: Tom White
Magazine Reader Service: Nicholas Phillips, Amanda Woytus, Samantha Stevenson, Mike Miller, Jen Roberts
Great Plains Magazine Photographer of the Year: Kevin A. Roberts
Great Plains Magazine Writer of the Year: Jeannette Cooperman
Jarrett Medlin, finalist
Judd Demaline, finalist
Laura Miserez, finalist
Liz Miller, finalist
Mike Fitzgerald, finalist
Rosalind Early, finalist
St. Louis Magazine Staff, finalist
Sunflower Publishing
Magazine Fashion Photo: Vixen Photography, Shelly Bryant, Nathan Pettengill
Alex Tatro, finalist
Amber Fraley, finalist
Chris Luxem, finalist
Evan McHenry, finalist
Lana Grove, finalist
Leslie Andres, finalist
Martinez Hillard, finalist
The Reader
Business Feature: Chris Bowling
Leo Adam Biga, finalist
Lynn Sanchez, finalist
Tulsa Kids Magazine
Aaron Campbell, finalist
Alicia McClendon, finalist
Betty Casey, finalist
Natalie Mikles, finalist
Quraysh Ali Lansana, finalist
Tara Rittler, finalist
Tulsa World
2021 Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame: Susan Ellerbach
Best Website Design, Project: Staff
Entertainment Feature: Jimmie Tramel
Special Section: Randy Krehbiel, Kendrick Marshall, Mike Strain, Susan Ellerbach, James Royal, Tim Chamberlin, Paul Tyrrell
News Column Portfolio: Wayne Greene
Andrea Eger, finalist
Ginnie Graham, finalist
Ian Maule, finalist
James D. Watts Jr., finalist
James Royal, finalist
Kendrick Marshall, finalist
Mike Simons, finalist
Tim Stanley, finalist
Tulsa World Staff, finalist
Wayne Greene, finalist
TulsaPeople Magazine
2021 Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame: Jim Langdon
Magazine Lifestyle Writing: Staff
Magazine Page Design, Lifestyle: Madeline Crawford, Georgia Brooks
Connie Cronley, finalist
Georgia Brooks, finalist
Madeline Crawford, finalist
Natalie Mikles, finalist
Staff, finalist
Wichita Eagle
Sports Reporting: Taylor Eldridge
STUDENT CATEGORIES
The Campus — Oklahoma City University
Review: Troy Freeman
Clara Foster, finalist
Emily Wollenberg, finalist
Francesca Iacovacci, finalist
Hope Melton, finalist
Jess Vanek, finalist
Luke Barrett, finalist
Madison Bailey, finalist
Madison Bowes, finalist
MaKayla Baxter, finalist
Melissa Campbell, finalist
Paul Dower, finalist
Stephen Jackson, finalist
The O’Colly — Oklahoma State University
Dan Harrison Memorial Great Plains Student Photographer of the Year: Joshua Cleary
Maddie Farris, finalist
Ryan Novozinsky, finalist
The Daily Iowan — The University of Iowa
Dan Harrison Memorial Great Plains Student Writer of the Year: Julia Shanahan
Dan Harrison Memorial Great Plains Student Designer of the Year: Kate Doolittle
Dan Harrison Memorial Great Plains Student Editor in Chief of the Year: Sarah Watson
Great Plains Student Newspaper of the Year: Sarah Watson, Caleb McCullough, Alexandra Skores
Great Plains Student Website of the Year: Kelsey Harrell
Katie Goodale, finalist
DITV NOW — The University of Iowa
Great Plains Student Broadcast of the Year: Shivansh Ahuja, Kade Overton
Bailey Cichon, finalist
Kade Overton, finalist
Shivansh Ahuja, finalist
The Gazette – Langston Univeristy
Na’Tianna Stocker, finalist
The Hill – University of Arkansas
Great Plains Dan Harrison Student Magazine of the Year: Natalie Demaree, Shapiro Mary Katherine
Muleskinner – University of Central Missouri
Bethany Spitzmiller, finalist
The Oracle — Oral Roberts University
News Feature Video: Sterling Zoe Rubottom, Deborah Laker, Gabriel Jaggernauth, Alexa Mostrom, Chisom Uche-Onyilofor
OState TV
Malley Jones, finalist
OState TV Crew, finalist
The Vista and UCentral News — University of Central Oklahoma
Great Plains Student Broadcaster of the Year: Amanda Siew, finalist
Ashley Jones, finalist
Jay Mayes, finalist
Mikala Novitsky, finalist
The University Daily Kansan – University of Kansas
Conner Heaton, finalist
Kansan Staff, finalist
KUJH Staff, finalist
Lucy Peterson, finalist
Nichola McDowell, finalist
Nicole Asbury, finalist
Tulsa Press Club
The Tulsa Press Club was founded in 1906 as a members-only professional organization offering networking, education events and social opportunities. The Tulsa Press Club promotes the highest standards in journalism with an emphasis in recognizing young journalism talent through its annual scholarship initiatives. Visit tulsapressclub.org for more information.
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